Testimonials About Afghanistan

Below are some of the testimonials I've received over the past years since I started this website.

If you would like to share your thoughts after reading the www.about-afghanistan.com website, please feel free to submit your comments in the form below.

Once you click "submit" it will go live quickly...after I approve it (to make sure it meets with my website standards for cleanliness and positive comments about Afghanistan).

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Rachel's Note: These are some of the encouraging comments sent to me in e-mails over the years, so I've cut and pasted them here. I responded to all of their questions in private e-mails to them, but from now on, when people comment in the form above, I'll answer them and collect the most common questions and begin creating a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page.

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Country: United States

Hello and thank you for your excellent and informative website. I am back almost a year from a deployment with the US Army Reserve in Kandahar, and now I am set to go back and live and work in Kabul. I have a contract with UNESCO to work on a literacy project. (I am a teacher and curriculum designer in civilian life.)

I am very excited to return to the country I fell in love with, and I am looking forward to playing a new role in a different capacity. Right now I am doing a lot of research, asking a lot of questions, and trying to network with current and former ex-pats in Kabul. I had a chance to visit Kabul for a couple of days when I was in country, and I am looking forward to return for an extended stay in that great city.

Thank you for all of your information. I hope that I am not under too strict of a lockdown while in Kabul and get a chance to get out and mingle as much as security allows!

James

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I feel quite fortunate to have found your site on the web! Have been surfing the web for a travel agency or like for Afghanistan, without any luck.I have never been to that beautiful country, the nearest to it was my travels in Iran, where I once came close to the eastern boundary.

I have read many many books about Afghanistan, and I know, that like in the case of Iran, what is written in the Western Press is by no means an accurate and neutral mode of reporting.

So here I am planning a trip to Afghanistan for the coming year, a dream I have pursued for many years! I shall now read everything on your site!

With the best wishes for a peaceful and happy 2012 I remain yours truly,

Eva

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Just want to say that I am thrilled to have come across your site! Afghanistan is super high on my list of places to visit.

I've traveled to a lot of countries over the years and usually prefer to go where other people don't (or won't).

I finally made it to North Korea this summer (mainly because I had to save up -- it's not cheap!) -- which was pretty amazing. Totally surreal but definitely very safe -- which is the only thing (i.e. security issues) that has stopped me from going to Afghanistan up till now.

But I know it's a very beautiful country you live in . . . and I WILL get there soon! Anyway, I've bookmarked your site. Keep up the good work!

Hana

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Thank you for the great website, I used some of the information for a college paper. Very insightful, thanks again!

Carter

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Hello,

I went through your site and seen some interesting information.

I'm an Afghan myself, but a refugee, fled from Afghanistan about 10/15 years ago with family. I was inspired with your courage to live in Afghanistan. By the way do you still live there?

Mariam

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Country: AfghanistanOur latest and greatest adventures in Afghanistan. Everyday here is a learning experience, every moment a struggle and a joy.

Recently we ran into another family at the Kabul Airport, not hard to spot the blond, blue eyed kids here. My daughter who is also blond, but green eyed was excited her new friends spoke the same language, as were mommy and daddy.

We have now hung out with this new family 3 times, and have enjoyed it immensely. Being able to find comforts from home, with the same understandings of the culture we live in is wonderful.

The last time we had the family over they were running late because there had been an "incident" on the road, and for safety reasons they needed to delay leaving, when she called I said don't worry about it we will see you when you get here.

How many places does your friend call and say we are running late there was a suicide bomber on the road? The world we live in.

-Emily

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Country: Pakistan

How wonderful to see your website. I am proud of you sir,

UG Peshawar

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Hi there,

I am a public health student coming to work in Kabul in June. I greatly appreciate this website and all the fantastic resources you have posted on it!

I've been most concerned about clothing and was wondering if you could highlight for me appropriate types of shoes to wear in the summer?

Thanks so much,

Sincerely,

Kelsey

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Country: Afghanistan

Rachel,

I contacted you last August before coming to Kabul for tips about living and traveling in Afghanistan. Your information was spot on!

I have now been here almost 8 months and have made a variety of friends who have been among the most generous people I have ever met. They are sincere, caring and wonderful.

Each time I go back "home" for a visit, they are worried that that I am not coming back, and lavish me with "farewell" gifts. I have a most impressive collection of desmals, pakols, patu's, waist coats and shirts, and now even a beautiful karakul made by the Afghani man who taught the father of Karzai's hat-maker.

I don't get to travel as much as I'd like due to my "work", but what I have managed to see has left a lasting impression on me. I look forward to another year after this initial contract is up in August.

Thanks again for the sage advice and who knows... maybe we will run in to each other somewhere in Kabul.

Scott

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Akio

I enjoyed your web site with a great interest. I have been in Afghanistan for a little over two month. Since I am with the US Government and working in Bagram, I am confined to the base.

It is unfortunate that we can not go out of the base and meet with local people. Last month we were in Jalalabad and metthree Afghan painters working in the base. One of them spoke some English. I enjoyed talking with him.

I also enjoyed your articles on Afghanistan Art. If the art works are not expensive, I would like to purchase. Your article mentions that Mr. Shukoor's paintings are being sold in ISAF Bazaar. I wish I could visit there, but it is not possible. Could you tell me what is a price range of his paintings?

Thank you very much.

Akio TakahashiBagram Air Field

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Rachel,

Well, I wanted to tell you that your information was wonderful and spot on.

I just returned from my visit to Kabul, Kandahar and a bunch of other places and felt comfortable with the advance knowledge you had provided.

You probably know Le Bistro (cafe)... attached is my picture in the garden.

Am looking foward to my next trip (when?).

Many thanks,

Calvin

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I just want to say thank you. I fully understand why you have decided to remain anonymous and do not blame you one bit.

But I want you to know how much I appreciate the work you have done on this site and that you have put information out there that puts out another side of the story that Americansrarely see.

I studied Pashto for a year in the military and although I have now left the service, I still have a deep love for Afghanistan and the people.

I knew nothing about them when I began my program and came out in love with their culture. I want very much to help change things over there and make them better.

I would like to get involved in a way that is not connected to military operations, one that would allow me to do humanitarian work.

I don't mean to ramble, I just wanted to say thank you for doing this. It is important to me that people see that there is so much more to Afghanistan then what they read in the news. And it can be so frustrating to see the lack of positive information available and accessible about the culture and people.

Be safe and enjoy life.

Arielle

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Country: Afghanistan

Salam,

Please accept my admiration for your work. I am from Holland. My husband works in Kabul; so we decided to join him here. Your blog is my guide!

Corina

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Mohammad

Country: Afghanistan

A Real Man keeps His Word really grasped my heart.

The arrangement of words in humorous form absolutely attracts every reader of you fantastic translation.

Thanks a lot wish you all the best.

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Avikshit from Afghanistan

Thanks for this lovely website, information and pictures. I would like to donate $10 but in cash. I live in Kabul. Is there some way i can do that?

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